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Established 2004

Ruddlesden geotechnical

Ruddlesden geotechnical provides ground investigation, geotechnical consultancy and contamination assessment services.

Based in Exeter, but covering the whole of the UK, albeit primarily concentrated in the South West, Ruddlesden geotechnical was formed in 2004.

Ruddlesden geotechnical works on behalf of a wide client base, including local, regional and national housing developers, housing associations, commercial developers, building contractors, structural and civil engineers, architects, building consultants, quantity surveyors, local authorities and private individuals.

Development projects range from single dwellings and extensions to large housing estates, multi-storey flats, offices, industrial units, roads, slopes, schools, hospitals and basements.

The services and projects listed on this web-site provide an indication of those undertaken by Ruddlesden geotechnical, but others are carried out. If your requirement is not readily identifiable on this web-site, please contact us as we may still be able to help you.

  • AGS
  • Constructionline
  • CSCS
  • SMAS
  • ECFC trust

Latest news

Recent projects

  • Latest news

    20 Oct 2026

    Creative geotechnical photography

    Inspired by her surroundings at RHS Rosemoor, where she was carrying out the ground investigation for a new educational facility, and with one eye on the Ruddlesden geotechnical site photograph of the year competition, Catherine Greed got creative with her site photography recently, framing the dynamic sampling rig within the last of the summer flowers.

    Creative geotechnical photography

  • Recent projects

    Close Liaison with Local Authority and NHBC Saves Time and Money

    Ruddlesden geotechnical often liaise with the local authority’s environmental health officer (EHO) and, in some instances, the petroleum officer to gain additional background information about a site. The local authority often have additional information or insight as a result of previous developments within the same area. Ruddlesden geotechnical held favourable discussions with both the EHO and warranty provider (NHBC) regarding the risk of ground gases (carbon dioxide and methane) to a proposed residential development site in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Initially, the warranty provider felt that in-situ ground gas monitoring was required to ascertain the risk of gases migrating from a nearby landfill site to beneath the site. However, following joint discussions with the EHO, it transpired that historical ground gas monitoring, both on and off the landfill, had shown that the landfill had a relatively low ground gas generation potential and so was unlikely to significantly affect the site. It was agreed that in lieu of in-situ monitoring, nominal ground gas protective measures, akin to full radon protective measures (a gas proof membrane and subfloor ventilation), could be adopted. On this occasion, this pragmatic approach saved the developer significant time and money.

  • Recent projects

    Soakaway Drainage Feasibility Assessment, Cornwall

    Soakaway drainage, combined with sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), was proposed as a means of surface water drainage at a proposed residential development site in Cornwall. Soakaway testing and assessment was as a pre-commencement planning requirement. In order to provide soil infiltration rates for preliminary design, in-situ soakaway testing was undertaken in accordance with BRE DG 365. Close liaison with the consulting engineer ensured that the test locations were targeted at key locations and depths across the site. In addition to considering the infiltration characteristics at the site, as parts the site were relatively steeply sloping, a slope stability assessment was undertaken, to assess how soakaway drainage might affect slope instability; soakaways had to be carefully sited as a result of this. Long-term groundwater level monitoringwas also undertaken to demonstrate that the seasonal high groundwater table would not rise above the base of the soakaway.

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